Bears Grades

Tribune reporter John Mullin turns in his report card for Monday's game.

December 12, 2006|By John Mullin, Tribune reporter.

QUARTERBACK

A-

Playing for his job, Rex Grossman responded against an attacking Rams front with a 22-yard scramble and a strike on a quick slant to Bernard Berrian for a touchdown. His seven completions in 15 first-half attempts were underwhelming, but the lack of turnovers was a positive. He completed five of his first six passes in the third quarter for 93 yards and a TD, including a perfect fade to Muhsin Muhammad.

RUNNING BACKS

A

Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones combined for 43 yards on 12 carries in the first half against a blitzing St. Louis defense. Jones added a 30-yard scoring run in the third quarter, he and Benson accounted for 100 yards rushing in the quarter and Adrian Peterson set up a score with a 32-yard catch of a screen pass.

RECEIVERS

B+

Berrian's 34-yard TD catch was a boost that Grossman and the Bears desperately needed. Muhammad's scoring grab on a 14-yard fade pass was a gamebreaker.

OFFENSIVE LINE

A

Roberto Garza's block on a screen pass to Jones keyed a 21-yard gain. The offensive line took the game away from the Rams in the third quarter, giving Grossman time to throw and the backs lanes to run.

DEFENSIVE LINE

B

Tackle Ian Scott blew up a reverse for a 9-yard loss, but pressure on Marc Bulger was non-existent early. Adewale Ogunleye's sack and Mark Anderson's pass deflection helped give the Bears field position. The Bears settled in nicely after some early problems and shut down the Rams.

LINEBACKERS

B

Brian Urlacher missed a critical tackle at the Rams' 1-yard line that let a St. Louis drive get started. But he repeatedly ran down running backs as he, Lance Briggs and Hunter Hillenmeyer sealed gaps to prevent cutback runs.

SECONDARY

C+

Chris Harris broke up a pass in the end zone, but breakdowns in coverage and tackling contributed to a 99-yard Rams touchdown drive. The coverage generally coped well with Rams outside threats after some early mistakes.

SPECIAL TEAMS

A

Devin Hester returned kickoffs 94 and 96 yards for a touchdowns. Brad Maynard dropped a punt on the St. Louis 1 with perfect coverage by Dante Wesley. Maynard's punting was consistent, and coverage units denied the Rams field position.

COACHING

B+

The game plan for Grossman was balanced and adhered to even when the Bears fell behind briefly. The defensive adjustments were critical after the Rams' early demoralizing scoring drives. Special teams outclassed the Rams throughout.